DonoBrace has been adopted by Canadian Metal Buildings (CMB) as a bracing standard in their business. As an industry leader in custom steel buildings, CMB prioritizes innovation by integrating cutting-edge products that accelerate construction timelines while enhancing efficiency for their customers.
In late 2024, DonoBrace was used by CMB Installers in a building project for a 12,000 sq ft (80' x 150') shop building. This project showcased the innovative design, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal of DonoBrace. This case study explores various aspects of DonoBrace, including the installation process, build look, and differences compared to traditional methods.
Ease of Installation
The ease of installation of DonoBrace is one of its standout features. The braces arrived preassembled and well-labeled, eliminating the need for guessing or field measuring. This made it straightforward for the Project Foreman; Dominick Wisniewski to assign the task of installing DonoBrace to anyone on the steel erector crew. The simplicity of the system allowed for a smooth workflow, without the need for highly specialized workers which sped up the installation process dramatically and reduced the cost and complexity.
The installers were able to complete the bracing installation with just two workers; a much more efficient approach compared to a traditional build, where they would likely need a crew of four for this task. This allowed other crew members to be reassigned different tasks, ultimately speeding up the overall installation process and improving the efficiency of the project
Differences Compared to Traditional Methods
The attention to detail in the Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings provided by CMB, particularly with the DonoBrace details, was impressive. The drawings clearly outlined the number of bays requiring X-bracing. For a building of this size—an 80’ x 150’ structure—it would be typically expected to see at least three to four bays of bracing. However, this building only required one bay of DonoBrace in both the roof and the walls, which was a significant advantage.
With the reduction in the number of required bays and the ease of installation, this not only simplified the design but also dramatically reduced the installation time.
Build Look and Aesthetics
The client and owner of the building were very pleased with the look and feel of DonoBrace within the structure. The system appeared much stronger compared to traditional cable or rod braces typically used within pre-engineered systems from other manufacturers.
The Project Foreman; Dominick Wisniewski concluded, “DonoBrace is visually appealing and fits seamlessly within the brace bays of the building, setting a positive tone for the project.” This positive feedback highlighted the aesthetic and functional advantages of DonoBrace.
This aesthetic quality instilled confidence in the client, who was very satisfied with the system's strong and attractive appearance. This positive feedback from the client underscores the importance of both form and function in construction materials
Canadian Metal Buildings Process
The CMB-issued drawings provided a comprehensive set of details that were easy to understand and follow. This ensured the installation process itself was highly efficient. The clarity ensured that the installation was completed correctly and without delay, contributing to a smooth and streamlined process on site.
Overall Benefits
DonoBrace offered numerous benefits on this project, including ease of installation, improved project efficiency, and a visually appealing design. The innovative approach to bracing makes DonoBrace a valuable component for any construction project. Dominick and the CMB installers are looking forward to using DonoBrace on future CMB builds.
The success of this project highlights the potential for broader adoption of DonoBrace in the construction industry, representing a significant shift towards more efficient and aesthetically pleasing building solutions.
For more information about DonoBrace, or to discuss your next construction project, connect with our expert team.